Prepare | Disaster Rally

6 Tornado Warning Signs That May Save Your Life

Tornadoes can be irredeemably destructive to any location one strikes. This is why tornado warning signs are extremely important and can often make the difference between life and death. It’s not easy to pick up on the signs of an imminent tornado disaster looming in, but without attention, anyone can be mindful of them and pick some up.

Picture Of Tornado

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Thus, for the sake of prevention, we’ve compiled a guide that rounds up the most crucial tornado warning signs you should look out for to avoid any grave life endangering moments.

#1 Listen To The TV

For some, this may sound like an obvious point. For others, this sounds like the beginning of a list of totally pointless tornado warning signs. However, it happens more frequently than you’d believe. Weathermen cast their warnings for approaching tornados and we turn off the TV, perhaps silently hoping that the whirlwind is going to completely circle around us. Couldn’t be more wrong.

Television tornado warnings are usually issued around 13 minutes before a tornado actually strikes a location. Obviously, being a natural disaster and all, it’s not exactly too mindful of hours and minutes, so it tends to hit a certain area significantly sooner. Don’t brush the weather reports off. If you hear a tornado is approaching, barricade yourself. And if it turns out it was a hoax, walk it off and be glad about it.

#2 Funnel-Shaped Cloud

Also from the “obvious tornado warning signs” category, we have the biggest visual cue of them all: the actual process of a tornado beginning to form. As this happens, a funnel-shaped cloud starts gradually approaching the ground. Pretty much all the time, the cloud that it’s formed from is dark and stormy, so you may also look for patches of really dark clouds in the sky.

There’s not really much to go by with this one since it’s as explicit as it gets. You see a funnel starting to swirl from a thunderstorm, you’ll probably need to get as far away from possible from that place. This becomes even more important the harsher the storm is since that intensifies the strength of the tornado too.

#3 Green Skies

If you’re out and about and you notice the sky suddenly turning a morose, dark shade of green then that might be one of the tornado warning signs we’re telling you about. Admittedly, a green sky doesn’t always equate “approaching tornado” but this is why you should always double-check. Whip out your local forecast for information on weather or any possible impending tornados. Also observe the development of the weather conditions. If it’s stormy and windy, it means bad news.

#4 Debris Cloud

You don’t always have the fortune (or misfortune, depending on circumstances) of being around to watch a tornado start to unfold. The best way to tell that a tornado that’s already wreaking havoc in its path is approaching is by keeping an eye out for debris clouds.

Debris clouds are noticeable from afar and they will always mark the fact that there is an upcoming danger closing in on your location.

#5 Calmness After The Storm

This might be a bit of a strange one and sort of add to the confusing delicacy of tornado warning signs. After a mighty storm, you may notice the fact that the atmosphere is oozing of a bizarre (even slightly unsettling) silence. Moreover, the skies may be clear as a blue diamond, but, paradoxically, this might indicate the fact that a tornado might soon start to form.

It’s not exactly easy to interpret this sign, but if you feel like everything around you is too still and calm after a storm, you might need to watch the skies and forecasts.

#6 Strong Noises

Once a tornado has already shaped up, it’s next immediate step is to move across the area and to cause preposterous amounts of damage in its path. As it approaches a zone, a tornado tends to release a series of thundering noises, which even resemble roars, that shake the skies.

Children in particular fear this “tornado roar” the same way they fear the sound of thunders during storm. If a big tornado is closing in, you can hear the sound from a mile away. Also, we can hear a noise caused by the various picked up objects as they crash and hit against each other.

Tornado Safety Measures

You’ve managed to read the tornado warning signs and now it’s time for you to prepare for the imminence of it striking the area you’re at. It’s important to take a look around yourself and consider the location you’re at since it opens different kinds of doors and possibilities.

At Home (With Basement)

If you’re at home when a tornado strikes and your house is equipped with a basement, that’s where you should immediately run off to. Barricade yourself in, but make a mental note of where all the heavy objects are located upstairs. In the eventuality of really strong winds, the floor may collapse and you might risk getting crushed under the weight.

At Home (No Basement)

For homes with no basements, the number one tip we can give you is to avoid windows at all costs. Go to the lowest floor in your house and locate a chamber with no windows such as a hallway. Crouch as close to the floor as possible while making sure to protect your head.

Out In The Open

Having to face a tornado in an open field is a terrifying thought, but don’t lose your rationality. If it’s possible, seek out a close by building (it’s the best if it’s a relatively sturdy one) and take shelter there. Should there be no buildings around you, lay flat down on your stomach and protect your head. Stay away from cars and trees.

Public Area

If you’re at school, follow the protocol procedures and go along with what the supervisors are telling you. For those that are at work, go to the center of the building, find a windowless spot, and engage in the crouched position while protecting your head. In the eventuality of a tornado hit while you’re out on a shopping spree in a mall, locate interior bathrooms and storage rooms. These make fantastic shelters because of their lack of windows.

Conclusion

These windy disasters can strike anywhere, even when you least expect it. This is why you really need to memorize some of these tornado warning signs. A tornado can form surprisingly fast and picking up on what’s happening in time might actually be the deed to save your life. Stay safe and stay wary.

National Flood Insurance Program – How to Be Eligible

The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) was established in 1968 to enable property owners to purchase flood insurances as protection against losses due to floods. Sadly, floods are the most common natural disaster in the United States. It is also the costlier. Fortunately, certain communities are eligible for participating in the NFIP. We will discuss the requirements for joining the program to find out if you are eligible for it.

Eligibility for the National Flood Insurance Program

To participate in this program, a community must adopt and enforce the regulations that meet the requirements of the National Flood Insurance Program. The requirements are intended to reduce the members of the community’s costs for flood relief and to prevent any loss of life or property. Nationwide, over 20,000 communities have joined the National Flood Insurance Program.

The flood hazard map provided by the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) must be studied carefully by the community. It has to determine whether the insurance and the floodplain management are beneficial to the citizens of the community.

An important matter that some property owners may not be aware of is the fact that homeowners insurance policies do not usually cover flood losses. Furthermore, many property owners are not aware that their residing area is flood-prone. Any community can join the National Flood Insurance Program, regardless of the fact that it may not be flood-prone. Citizens participating in this program will then be able to purchase the flood insurance.

What Are the Requirements for Joining NFIP?

Citizens living in high-risk areas that have a mortgage from a federally regulated lender are obliged to purchase a flood insurance. Furthermore, they must carry it for the life of the mortgage. Other citizens with a mortgage but living in outside a high-risk area, can also purchase the flood insurance. They may also qualify for Preferred Risk Policies.

The minimum management requirements that communities must adopt in order to join the National Flood Insurance Program are located in the Title 44 of the Code of Federal Regulations, section 60.3. Each of the requirements depends on the type of hazard data that FEMA provides the community with.

However, meeting the requirements is not enough. The floodplain management regulations of a community must also be legally enforceable. State authority for floodplain management differs from State to State. It is quite possible for your State to require superior regulations than the minimum requirements of the NFIP.

Certain States require that the communities who wish to join NFIP must submit the floodplain management regulations for approval to the State. The State NFIP Coordinating Agency can offer assistance to any community who wishes to find out the State’s requirements.

Contact the Federal Emergency Management Agency Regional Office or the National Flood Insurance Program State Coordinating Agency for more information. They can provide you with the model floodplain management ordinance and all the guidance needed to meet the required conditions.

What Types of Regulations Are There?

The floodplain management regulations for communities are generally zoning ordinances, subdivision ordinance, building codes, sanitary regulations, and “stand alone” ordinances.

The approach of each community depends on the State laws and how they choose to manage their flood hazards.

What Is the Waiting Period?

Generally speaking, a policy will only take effect after 30 days from the purchasing of the flood insurance. However, if a citizen purchases the policy in connection with a mortgage, the waiting period does not apply.

Do I Need the Flood Insurance?

Yes. Even if you live in a low-to-moderate flood risk area, it is advisable you purchase the flood insurance. All areas are susceptible to some degree of flooding. As a matter of fact, communities living outside the high-risk areas make for approximately 25 percent of the NFIP’s claims.

Property owners should ask their agents if they qualify for the Preferred Risk Policy. This provides low-priced flood insurance protection. It can even go as low as $112 a year.

How Do I File a Claim?

Filing a claim is a three-step process:

Notify the insurer. Contact your agent or the insurance company to start filing the claim. An adjuster should usually contact you after a couple of days since filing your claim. If this does not happen, then contact your insurer again.
Document the damage. You will need evidence of the damage (both to your home and possessions) to prepare the repair estimate. Consequently, you must take photos of any damage. This includes anything from discarded objects to structural damage. You should also make a list of both lost and damaged objects. Include their value, date of purchase, and receipts.
Complete the Proof of Loss. The Proof of Loss is a sworn statement made by the insured regarding the amount that they claim. Your adjuster will help you prepare this statement. You must file the Proof of Loss with your insurer within 60 days from the disaster.

What Happens If I Do Not Join NFIP?

Non-participating communities that are not flood-prone are not a subject to any sanction. However, if a community that has been identified as flood-prone does not qualify for the NFIP within a year, the following sanctions apply:

Property owners will no longer be eligible to purchase the NFIP flood insurance policy.
Federal grants or loans for development will no longer be available in identified flood hazard areas.
Federal disaster assistance will not be provided.
Federally insured and regulated lending institutions will not be allowed to make loans for insurable buildings.
Federal mortgage insurance and loan guarantees will not be provided.

While the participation in this program is voluntary, it is important you join NFIP. An important benefit of participation is that you and other members of the community are provided with the opportunity protect yourselves from flood losses. Another important aspect is the fact that certain communities may be sanctioned if they do not qualify for the program. Which is highly detrimental considering that Federal agencies will no longer provide financial assistance for citizens in specific flood hazard areas. Now that you know the benefits and the consequences of not joining NFIP, make the right decision for your wellbeing.

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Earthquake Kit Rundown – How to Make Your Own

An earthquake kit is an essential item in anyone’s home when living in an earthquake-vulnerable area. It will prove to be a real lifesaver. And while you can buy such a kit, why not make it yourself? It’s easy, and some of the requisites you already own. In this article, we are going to show you what items are a must in an earthquake preparedness kit so that you can start prepping yours right now.

Depending on the magnitude of the earthquake and how often they occur in the area you live in, the kit may vary. We have divided the items you need into the mandatory and the non-compulsory. Pick what fits both your needs and budget best. However, we suggest you try to include as many of these objects as you can. Alternatively, you can purchase a kit and work on upgrading it based on our list. Let’s get started.

The Ideal Earthquake Kit

The Essentials

A minimum of one gallon of water per day for each person in the house. You should prepare yourself for at least three days but it would be best to have enough water to last for up to two weeks.
A water filter.
Canned and packed foods. The quantity depends on the quantities you and your family members eat. Make sure you have enough to last you three days.
High energy foods (peanut butter, granola bars, trail mix).
Formula and drinks for your kids.
Diapers.
Vitamins.
A primus or a gas barbecue to use for cooking.
Paper cups and plates, and plastic utensils.
Small fire extinguisher.
Matches (in a waterproof container).
Needles and thread.
Aluminum foil.
Pet supplies.
Manual can opener.
A good knife.
A flashlight for each person in the house. You should also stock up on extra batteries and light bulbs.
A portable radio with a few extra batteries.
A whistle. It will alert the emergency rescuers of your location.
First aid kit.
Emergency cash.
Essential medicines and prescription medicine if you suffer from an illness.
Blankets or sleeping bags.
Toilet paper.
Plastic bucket with lid.
Household chlorine bleach.
Liquid soap and liquid detergent.
Feminine supplies.
Disinfectant.
Dusk masks.
Work gloves and protective goggles for each member of the family.
Heavy duty plastic bags. They may even serve as rain ponchos, not just for waste.
Copies of vital documents.
Credit card account numbers.
A map of your town.
Study shoes.
Warm clothing.
Eyeglasses.
Sunscreen.
Rain gear.
Cell phones with chargers (solar charger).

First aid kit

If you do not have a first aid kit, here are the items you will need:

Sterile adhesive bandages.
Triangular bandages.
Roller bandages.
Safety pins.
Latex gloves.
About six 2-inch sterile gauze pads and six 4-inch sterile gauze pads.
Non-prescription drugs (pain relievers, laxatives, anti-diarrhea medicines, activated charcoal, and other similar essential medicines).
Scissors.
Moistened towelettes.
Medicine dropper.
Cleansing agent.
Antiseptic.
Thermometer.
Two tongue blades.
A tube of petroleum jelly.

Optional

The following items are not as important. However, they will help increase comfort in these situations. If you have enough space, also include the next objects into your earthquake kit:

Camp stove and fuel for it.
A tent.
Bug spray.
Spare eyeglasses or contact lenses. Also bring cleaning solution.
Additional flashlights.
Light sticks.
A generator.
A solar panel backpack to use for charging electronics.
Toys.
Poop bags and a scooper if you have pets.
Books.
Snack foods.
Playing cards or board games.

How to Maintain Your Earthquake Kit

Now that you have put together your earthquake preparedness kit, it’s mandatory you maintain it as well. Make sure you keep them in good condition for when you will need them. Here are a few tips on how to do so:

Change the water supplies every six months.
Frequently check the expiration date on any food item. Always replace what you throw away.
Put the new items in the back of the cabinet and bring the older ones in the front.
Keep the canned foods in a dry place.
Replace the medicines as they expire.
Constantly re-think your needs and stock up accordingly.
Keep the items in airtight plastic bags.

The earthquake emergency kit items must be put in a couple of easy-to-carry containers. You may need to leave the house in a hurry, which is why some sturdy camping backpacks are perfect for the job. Make sure the containers are light enough for you to carry effortlessly.

Store the bags in a place where it’s easy to get to, a place that is also easy to remember in case of panic.

Earthquake Kits for Work and the Vehicle

It is equally important you make sure have an earthquake kit prepared for your home, workplace, and the vehicle. There’s no way of telling where you will be when the emergency strikes. Consequently, it would be ideal if you could put together multiple kits.

Your earthquake survival kit for work can contain fewer items. Consider what you need for about 24 hours or even two days. Also, leave a pair of comfortable shoes at the office in case you have to quickly evacuate the premises. Put all items into one ready-to-go container.

Your earthquake safety kit for your vehicle must also include jumper cables, a shovel, and an ice scraper in addition to the essential items. Furthermore, always keep a full gas tank. In the case of an emergency, put on your flashers and call for help. You should also make sure you have good winter tires installed. Moreover, check the antifreeze and oil levels, the breaks for wear, the exhaust system for any leaks or crimped pipes, the fuel and the air filters.

You can never be too prepared for such a disaster, especially when they are unpredictable. Fortunately, planning and preparing your survival kit may help save your life. Keep it safe, and only use it for emergencies. Make sure you pack all the mandatory objects and replenish the food and the water in time. In the case of an earthquake, try not to panic. Remain calm and go straight for your survival kit.

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Tornado Safety – How to Keep Yourself Safe at All Times

Tornado safety is very important, as they are nature’s most violent storms. Powerful and destructive, they can cause fatalities in just a few seconds. As a result, you must know what to do in the case of a tornado. We are going to share vital tornado safety tips on how to keep yourself safe during this weather phenomenon.

Crucial Tornado Safety Tips You Need to Remember

Here is what you must do BEFORE the tornado strikes:

Learn the community’s warning system. Each community has different ways of warning the citizens. Consequently, know the siren intended for warning purposes.
Pick a safety room. Discuss with your household members what room in your home is best suited in this scenario. It should be a storm cellar, basement, or a room on the lowest which does not have windows.
Know the evacuations centers. If you are in a danger zone, you must know the location of the closest evacuation center. In most cases, it is a school, community center, or a city building. Such places can even offer medical attention and supplies.
Practice tornado drills. It’s quite likely that some members of your family, and you included, may experience shock when the tornado occurs. This is why you must practice periodic drills. This way, everyone will know exactly what actions they must take.
Move dangerous objects. Things like hanging plants, trash cans, and certain furniture must be moved somewhere else if there is a risk of being pickup up by the rotating column of air. Unfortunately, they can become projectiles and harm people.
Reinforce the safety room. It’s best if you can reinforce the room you have picked to provide shelter during tornadoes. You can find useful designs on the Federal Emergency Management Agency’s website.
Listen to the news and watch for the danger signs. You can stay informed about the weather by listening to the local news, but you can also observe the sky. The danger signs you must look for are dark or greenish clouds, a cloud of debris, wall cloud, funnel cloud, large hail, and roaring noise.
Protect your belongings. Place important papers such as insurance policies, medical information, loan or mortgage papers, birth certificates, and more, in a safety deposit box, a safe, or a storm shelter.

DURING the tornado, you must respond by:

Driving at right angles. It’s highly risky to the caught in a vehicle during a tornado. Luckily, there are a few things you can do. If the storm is visible and far away, you may succeed in driving out of its path. Simply move at right angles to the tornado and find an underground shelter.

If the tornado is near, the best thing to do is to park the car out of the traffic lanes. Do not leave the vehicle. Stay inside with the seat belt on and put your head down. Cover your head with your hands and a textile material (your coat or a blanket).

Do not, by any means, seek shelter under a bridge. They offer little protection and can create traffic hazards.

Going to your safety room. If you are at home, go to the designated safety room. If somewhere else, go to the lowest floor. It can be a bathroom, a closet, a windowless interior hallway, or under a stairwell. Crouch to the floor while facing down, and cover your head with your hands.

Even if you are inside you must cover yourself with a blanket, a mattress, or any type of thick padding. This is key in protecting you against falling debris.

Abandoning your mobile home. If you live in a mobile home, get out as soon as possible. Any place is safer than a mobile home, regardless of the fact that it may be tied down. It’s a fact that most tornadoes can destroy even the mobile homes that have been tied down. Rush into a shelter or a sturdy building.
Crawling under a table. If the room you are in has a table, a workbench, or a pool table, then you can use them to protect from falling objects. Crawl under it and stay there until the tornado passes.

Here is how you must act AFTER the storm:

Try to return home safely. If you’re somewhere else during the tornado, wait for it to pass and try to return home. Listen to the news to learn about the effects it had on your neighbourhood. Take notice of the advice of the local authorities. Return to your neighbourhood only when the officials say it is safe to do so. Watch out for danger such as fallen power lines.
Turn off the main utilities. If your house has experienced damages, turn off your utilities. This also includes natural gas, water main, and electricity. Furthermore, if you smell gas, do not even enter the home. Instead, call 911 immediately.
Clean your home with bleach. If your house has seen minimal water damage, then clean it with bleach. Make sure the area is well-ventilated. Wear proper protective equipment: rubber boots, rubber gloves, and eye protection.
Use flashlights. When examining you home, do not use candles. You may have a gas leak that you may not have smelled. Only use battery-powered flashlights.
Check for injuries. See if you or the people around you have been injured. Provide first aid to anyone in need until the ambulance arrives.
Report fallen power lines to the utility company right away. This is one of the most important tornado safety tips because such issues can be life threatening.

We hope you remember these key tornado safety tips on how to keep yourself safe during and after a violent storm. It’s vital you learn by heart what to do before a tornado so that it doesn’t catch you by surprise. Try to remain calm and alert. Listen to any information and instructions given by the emergency crews and the local officials.

If you or your family and friends have experienced a disaster, register on the American Red Cross’ Safe and Well list. This way, you can let everyone know you are safe.

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5 Safety Activities for Children

Safety activities are both fun and practical, helping children gain an understanding of safety precautions. It’s never too early to start teaching an individual how to react, communicate and cooperate in times of need.

Kids who participate in safety activities learn how to pinpoint problems and how to come up with solutions. They will learn how to use their mind and body in case of emergency, and the value of responsibility.

Types of Safety Activities

Story-telling. Children love stories, so making them listen to useful information “packed” in a way that they will enjoy is a great idea. After finishing telling the story, you can ask questions and test their comprehension.
Quizzes and games.
Coloring pages.
Art contests.
Family involvement.
Community service (for older kids). Middle and high school students can teach preschoolers about safety, both parties having a lot to gain. By doing so, the older students act as role models, while the younger schoolers are exposed to vital information.

5 Fun Safety Activities for Preschoolers

1. A Day with the Firefighters

Call the local fire station and arrange an activity with the firefighters. It can either take place at the fire station or another location. Explain to the chief firefighter the importance of this fire safety activity and it will surely be arranged. Have the firefighters talk about their jobs, the problems that they usually encounter and what steps we need to take to prevent accidents. Ask them to provide information about home safety so that the kids are well aware of the consequences of their actions.

After the firefighters’ visit, you can ask the children what they thought about the gathering. They can draw or write what they understood, and you can ask questions to test their listening attention.

2. Calling 911

Children as young as 3.5 years can be taught to dial 911. It is crucial you integrate this safety activity into their routine. In some emergency situations, it’s our children that must make the vital call. Such is the case of the fire, a parent’s or a caregiver’s illness, an accident, or other situations.

First, you need to teach the child how to recognize the number. It may take time to engrave the information into their minds, so be patient. If your kid gets bored, take a break.

Have the child know that 911 is an emergency number and they should call otherwise. Tell the kid what are emergencies, and if they are old enough to read, you can write down a list.

Tips:

Use tracer pages to create a page with 911 or your mobile phone number.
Make a 911 banner and display it near the phone.
Place a sticker with 911 on the phone case.

3. School bus safety

This is one of the safety activities that that help children comprehend and discuss the issues associated with riding a school bus or any type of vehicle. Simulating how they ride a vehicle in a safe manner will also develop the kids’ social and language skills.

This is quite a fun activity, as the children will enjoy making they own unique school bus. You need a few things before getting started:

A few chairs;
A few seat belts;
A steering wheel or something similar;
A large appliance box.

Cut the box to make room for the “doors” and place the chairs in. First, demonstrate the correct way to enter a vehicle safely and how to put on a seat belt. Invite the young ones in the “car” and attach the seat belts. While in the “car”, you can recite poems or sing travel songs as a way to make the whole experience more pleasant and relaxing.

Then, have the children show what they have learned from you. Have them place the seat belt on their own or have them bring a doll and secure the seat belt for it.

Other matters that must be discussed are: why we should not be standing while riding a vehicle, why we must not leave the seat while the car is still moving, or why it is important to listen to the driver’s instructions.

4. Stop, drop, and roll

This is yet another fire safety activity that is taught to people of all ages. It is a good way to develop the child’s gross motor skills. Before hands, talk with the kids about the precaution measures we must all take to keep ourselves safe from danger. Don’t be too graphic about the consequences because children can get too scared.

This technique involves three steps that a person must do in case of fire:

Cease any movement;
Drop to the ground, covering their face with their hands;
Roll on the ground to extinguish the fire.

You can teach the kids these actions in a fun way. Take them outside if the weather allows and bring a device to play music. Turn on the music and practice the drop and roll with them a few times. Children will enjoy the exercise, and they’ll learn a crucial technique in the process.

Gather them around and let them know what the “stop, drop, and roll” technique is used for. Explain why we must go through all these steps to prevent getting burned in case of an emergency when our clothes catch fire.

This activity can be combined with others, such as learning how to dial 911 for help.

5. Poison prevention

Young ones are curious by nature, and they will always see things that may appear tempting but in reality, they are dangerous substances. Cleaning products or certain medicines are easily reachable by kids, and we must teach them what they are for and why they should stay away from these items.

Children as young as three can learn what is safe and what is not. They are capable of recognizing uneatable, dangerous products by sight. This is why we must take advantage of their clever minds and teach them how to prevent an accidental poisoning event. Instruct children to ask an adult first if it is OK to consume an item.

A good way to teach your kids what is unsafe is to mark dangerous products with the letter X. Then, have your children draw Xs on the products they feel are unsafe. It’s a good way to test their understanding and teach them responsibility.

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